HC Deb 16 March 1926 vol 193 cc233-5
42. Mr. T. WILLIAMS

asked the Minister of Transport whether, where local authorities fail to agree on the proportion of payment for an improvement, such as erecting a new bridge, for a number of years, he will intervene on behalf of the general public and supply the need, and then charge the authorities with the cost in proportions determined by his Department?

Lieut.-Colonel MOORE-BRABAZON

I do not think that my powers are sufficiently wide to permit me to take effective action on the lines suggested, but the services of my officers are always made available for the purpose of composing any differences of this character that may arise between local authorities.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Do we understand that where a local authority and a railway company disagree for a term of years there is no guarantee to the local people that this very necessary and vital improvement can be effected

Lieut.-Colonel MOORE-BRABAZON

I am afraid there is no guarantee at present.

43 Mr. WILLIAMS

also asked the Minister of Transport if he is a-ware that no agreement has yet been reached between the West Riding (Yorkshire) County Council and the navigation company with regard to the erection of a new bridge at Thorne, near Doncaster; that all sections of the community are suffering inconvenience as a result of this delay; that bricks for the erection of houses for workpeople have to be emptied and refilled into smaller vehicles, and furniture unloaded and reloaded, etc.; and will he take such steps as will ensure agreement at an early date, or erect the bridge and charge the authorities responsible with the cost?

Lieut.-Colonel MOORE-BRABAZON

I am aware of the difficulties which have arisen in connection with the negotiations between the county council and the company owning this bridge, and of the inconveniences resulting from the delay which has unfortunately taken place. My officers have for some time past been in touch with the council's representatives, and I am anxious to give to both parties any assistance that lies in my power to bring these prolonged negotiations to a satisfactory conclusion.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman use his influence and impose his will upon local authorities if they continue to refuse to come to some agreement?

Lieut.-Colonel MOORE-BRABAZON

I will certainly use my influence, but I cannot use powers that I do not possess.

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member's supplementary question was just a repetition of the one on the Paper.